In the cold months of winter, many contractors are faced with the question of whether high performance sealants maintain their high performing qualities when the temperatures plummet. Thankfully, standardized guidelines from manufacturers can help you feel very confident that well-chosen sealants will work well in temperatures as low as -40 degrees F. It’s advisable, however, to take into consideration the substrate condition, the total anticipated joint movement, and that the proper type of sealant is selected.

When considering substrate condition, keep in mind two important factors: surface condition and surface temperature. Any moisture on the surface could be an impediment in below-freezing temperatures. And temperature ranges can affect the total anticipated movement the joints are expected to experience.

But the condition you can best control is choosing a sealant that is best suited for cold temperatures. Here are two that we recommend for most circumstances.

Bostik Chem-Calk 915 Sealant

Bostik® Chem-Calk® 915 sealant is a one-component, contractor construction grade, smooth polyurethane sealant capable of dynamic joint movement totaling 50% of original joint geometry. This sealant cures to a tough, flexible rubber when exposed to moisture present in the atmosphere.

Chem-Calk® 915 polyurethane sealant has a consistency like toothpaste. Its physical properties will remain relatively stable over time and in varying weather conditions. Its physical properties are relatively unchanged over a wide temperature range, -40°F to 150°F (-40°C to 66°C).

A Few Features and Benefits You Can Expect from Bostik Chem-Calk 915 Sealant

• Meets VOC Requirements for OTC Regulation.
• Designed for sealing expansion and control joints in precast concrete panels, for sealing various roofing and siding applications, and for sealing perimeters of doors, windows, and other wall penetrations.
• Sealant cures to form a durable, flexible bond with most building materials in any combination including stone, masonry, ceramic, marble, wood, steel, aluminum, fiber cement board and many other synthetic materials.
• In order to match your varied project needs, this sealant is available in several colors: Bronze, Medium Bronze, Light Gray, and White.

Bostik Chem-Calk® 955-SL

Bostik Chem-Calk® 955-SL sealant is a one-component, self-leveling, polyurethane sealant capable of dynamic joint movement totaling 70% of original joint geometry. The sealant cures to a tough, flexible rubber when exposed to moisture present in the atmosphere.

This sealant has a pourable consistency. Its physical properties will remain relatively stable over time and in varying weather conditions. Its physical and mechanical properties remain consistent across a broad temperature range, from -40°F to 150°F (-40°C to 66°C).

A Few Features and Benefits You Can Expect from Bostik Chem-Calk 955-SL Sealant

• Self-leveling, polyurethane sealant designed for sealing expansion joints, control and perimeter joints in parking decks, pavements, plazas, malls, patios, driveways, factory and institutional floors or any other areas subject to foot traffic and light vehicle traffic.
• Cures to form a durable, flexible, watertight bond with most building materials in any combination including stone, masonry, blacktop, ceramic, marble, wood, steel, and aluminum.

Don’t let the chilly temperatures keep you from caulking in cold weather! If you’d like further suggestions of products that work just as well in cold temperatures as they do in the warmth, our experienced sales team can help you out. Call us (toll-free) at 800-220-1966 with your questions, or email us at sales@chemical-concepts.com. We’ll be happy to help!